Things To Do
in Beian

Beian is a charming city in Heilongjiang Province, China, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Nestled near the Lesser Khingan Mountains, it offers breathtaking views and an array of outdoor activities. The city is characterized by its blend of traditional architecture and modern developments, showcasing the unique essence of northeastern China.

With its friendly locals and vibrant community life, Beian is an inviting destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Beian's Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Beian Museum to learn about the local history and culture, including artifacts from various dynasties.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the Beian Ancient Street, where you can admire traditional architecture and shop for local handicrafts.

evening
:

Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, sampling authentic northeastern Chinese cuisine.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
morning
:

Take a morning hike at the nearby Lesser Khingan Mountains, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air.

afternoon
:

Visit the local botanical garden to see native flora and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

evening
:

Experience Beian's nightlife by visiting a local tea house or bar, enjoying live music and mingling with locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at a local restaurant$4
🍺Beer at a bar$2
🚌Public transport ticket$0.50
🏨Night in a budget hotel$20
Coffee at a cafe$1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Rich cultural heritage and friendly locals.
  • Affordable cost of living.
  • Limited English-speaking services.
  • Public transport may be less frequent.
  • Harsh winters may not be suitable for all travelers.
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问厕所在哪里?" - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
  • "我不会说中文" - I don't speak Chinese
  • "多少钱?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Beian

Visit one of these nice places.

Lesser Khingan Mountains

A breathtaking backdrop for photography, these mountains offer stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Beian Ancient Street

This historic street is lined with traditional architecture, making it perfect for capturing the essence of old-world China.

Beian Botanical Garden

A beautiful garden with diverse flora that provides a picturesque setting for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Beian

Beian offers a delightful culinary experience with its diverse range of local dishes influenced by the region's agricultural abundance and cultural heritage.

Beian Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Guo Bao Rou

A sweet and sour pork dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served with a side of rice.

Must-Try!

Suan Ni Bai Rou

Garlic-flavored pork belly that is tender and aromatic, commonly enjoyed with steamed buns.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Beian Night Market

A bustling night market offering a variety of street food options including skewered meats, dumplings, and sweet treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Beian experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are long, cold, and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them ideal seasons for outdoor activities and exploring the city's beauty.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

Showing respect towards elders is important; greet them politely and offer your seat if public transport is crowded.

Dining Etiquette

When dining, wait for the host to start before you begin eating and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.

Gift Giving

When visiting someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation.

Safety Guide

Safety

Beian is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. In case of emergencies, familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers.

Tipping in Beian

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in most restaurants, but rounding up the bill is appreciated in more upscale establishments.

Payment Methods

Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, along with cash, so keep some yuan on hand.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring is mild, with blooming flowers and greenery, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and photography.

Summer

Summer can be warm and humid, perfect for hiking and exploring nature, but be prepared for occasional rain.

Autumn

Autumn brings stunning fall foliage, providing a spectacular backdrop for outdoor excursions and photography.

Winter

Winter is cold and snowy, offering opportunities for winter sports and a unique winter landscape to capture.

Nightlife Guide

Beian at Night

Beian's nightlife is relaxed yet vibrant, with a variety of options for entertainment. You can find local bars and tea houses where you can enjoy live music, karaoke, and social gatherings. The atmosphere is friendly, making it easy to mingle with locals and fellow travelers. The night markets also come alive, offering an array of street food and snacks to enjoy while exploring the streets.

Hiking in Beian

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Khingan Mountains National Park Trail

A scenic trail that winds through the national park, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife along the way.

Yinshan Trail

A moderately challenging trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the city and surrounding landscapes, ideal for sunset hikes.

Airports

How to reach Beian by plane.

Heihe Airport (HEK)

Located approximately 130 km from Beian, Heihe Airport offers domestic flights and limited international connections, serving as the nearest major airport.

Getting Around

Walkability

Beian is fairly walkable, especially in the downtown area where most attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within walking distance. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and pedestrian crossings are available. However, some areas may require walking on less developed paths, so be prepared for uneven surfaces in certain parts of the city.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority ethnic group in Beian, Han Chinese culture dominates daily life, traditions, and local cuisine.

Manchu People

A smaller ethnic group that contributes to the cultural diversity of Beian, with unique customs and traditions distinct from the Han Chinese.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is a popular sport among the youth in Beian, with many local courts available for casual play and organized games.

Ice Hockey

Given its cold winters, ice hockey is a favored winter sport, with local teams competing in regional leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Beian is generally light, with moderate congestion during peak hours. Public transportation includes buses and taxis, which are affordable and convenient for getting around. While many locals rely on bicycles for short trips, visitors may prefer to walk or use taxis for longer distances.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Beian.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Some restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to communicate your dietary restrictions clearly to ensure suitable options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access in Beian is adequate, with several local hospitals and clinics providing medical services. Larger hospitals are equipped to handle emergencies, but it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for over-the-counter medications.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide